Releasable retainer for a hitch assembly

Abstract

An apparatus connects a coupler associated with a trailer to a hitch receiver using a tow ball for connecting the trailer to a vehicle via the coupler. A ball mount supports the tow ball and includes a retainer having a first pin for engaging the hitch receiver and an actuator for withdrawing the first pin from engagement. The actuator is configured to prevent the withdrawal of the first pin when the coupler is present on the tow ball. An apparatus is also provided for connecting a coupler associated with a trailer to a vehicle including a hitch receiver adapted for receiving a ball mount supporting a tow ball. The apparatus includes a retainer adapted for positioning over the hitch receiver, the retainer including a first pin for connecting the ball mount to the hitch receiver, and an actuator for disconnecting the first pin from the ball mount.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for connecting a coupler associated with a trailer to a hitch receiver using a tow ball for connecting the trailer to a vehicle via the coupler, comprising:
 a ball mount for supporting the tow ball, the ball mount including a retainer having a first pin for engaging the hitch receiver and an actuator for withdrawing the first pin from engagement with the hitch receiver, the actuator configured to prevent the withdrawal of the first pin for disconnecting the ball mount from the hitch receiver when the coupler is connected to the tow ball.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the actuator comprises a handle, a connector connected to the handle, and a cam connected to the connector for engaging the first pin. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the cam comprises a slot for engaging a follower connected to the first pin, the slot adapted for causing the first pin to move to and fro in a direction transverse to a towing direction. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the connector is biased for maintaining the first pin in engagement with the hitch receiver. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the retainer includes a second pin for engaging the hitch receiver, and wherein the actuator is configured for simultaneously withdrawing the first and second pins from engagement with the hitch receiver. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the actuator comprises a handle, a connector connected to the handle, and a cam connected to the connector for engaging the first and second pins, the cam comprising:
 a first slot for engaging a first follower connected to the first pin, the first slot adapted for causing the first pin to move to and fro transverse to a towing direction, and   a second slot for engaging a second follower connected to the second pin, the second slot adapted for causing the second pin to move to and fro transverse to the towing direction.   
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the actuator is adapted for moving toward the coupler when present on the tow ball an amount less than a distance required to release the first pin from engagement with the receiver. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the ball mount includes a platform having a sloping portion, and the actuator comprises a handle mounted adjacent to the sloping portion so as to form a gap configured for receiving a finger of an operator for engaging the handle and moving it toward the tow ball to release the retainer. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the handle is connected to a connector extending through an aperture in the sloping portion. 
     
     
         10 . An apparatus for connecting a coupler associated with a trailer to a hitch receiver using a tow ball for connecting the trailer to a vehicle via the coupler, comprising:
 a ball mount for supporting the tow ball, the ball mount including a retainer having a first pin for engaging the hitch receiver and a movable cam for engaging and withdrawing the first pin from engagement with the hitch receiver, the cam having a first travel amount in a first mode of operation that is less than an amount required to withdraw the first pin from engagement with the hitch receiver and a second travel amount in a second mode of operation that is greater than the amount required to withdraw the first pin from engagement.